Space Art + Space Science a polymathic paradigm shift in the art/science dialogue

Perhaps no other field of scientific endeavor has been more influenced by the arts than space exploration. The artistic visions of yesteryear are the technological realities of today. These realities in turn create new possibilities for artistic expression. However, Space Art and Space Science have shared a convoluted history. Their forerunner disciplines of the Humanities and Natural Sciences and their practitioners were entrenched as polar opposites for centuries. Recent research, however, has revealed the reverse; that the psychological profile and the creative processes of artists and scientists are actually similar, often to the point of the practitioners being polymathic. Moreover, it has been discovered that polymathic ability nurtures two qualities essential for the survival of both Space Art and Space Science: that of creativity and innovation. Current literature has taken note of the commonality of polymathic ability between the practitioners of the arts and sciences. Academic and industry think tanks have examined the virtues of artists as space researchers, and conversely, scientists developing an artistic approach as a design strategy. Thought leaders have expressed faith in trans-disciplinary collaboration as the way forward in the global affairs of space. Yet, therein lies the problem. These various studies individually lack a cohesive strategy to leverage their findings and transform the Art/Sci dialogue into a disruptive force that sustains a paradigm shift in the arts, space and society agendas going forward. The impetus for this dissertation is the unique opportunity to amalgamate those disparate studies by utilizing the momentum of New Space culture, and its focus on societal inclusion and environmental concerns to serve as anchors for space research and sustainability. Further, we argue that the next logical step is to inculcate a fundamental Art/Sci paradigm shift within the space community to exploit the unprecedented global drive towards space exploration and colonization, thereby solidifying the influence of the space art and space science agendas in the service of the global commons on Earth and in space.

Grantor

Department of Electrical Engineering

Year dc:date.issued

2020

Author dc:creator

• King, Barbara Amelia

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Martinez, Peter

• Space Studies

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/32739

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/32739